The answer is that the backup_options parameter specifies the directory where the backup file will be saved. This parameter is a sub-option of the ios_config module in Ansible, allowing you to override the default backup behavior, which saves a timestamped configuration file in the playbook’s working directory. By defining dir_path under backup_options, you direct the backup to a custom location, such as /backup/, giving you centralized control over where network device configurations are stored. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding of Ansible automation for network devices, often appearing in automation and programmability questions where you must differentiate between the backup: yes flag and the more granular backup_options parameter. A common trap is confusing backup_options with the backup filename; remember that backup_options only controls the directory path, not the file name itself. For a quick memory tip, think “backup_options = directory destination” — the option is all about where, not what.
350-401 Ansible Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ansible automation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Given the following Ansible playbook snippet:
---
- name: Backup running config
hosts: routers
gather_facts: no
tasks:
- name: Save config
ios_config:
backup: yes
backup_options:
dir_path: /backup/
What is the purpose of the 'backup_options' parameter?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It specifies the directory where the backup file will be saved.
The 'backup_options' parameter in ios_config allows specifying a custom directory path for the backup file. Without it, the backup is saved in the playbook's directory with a timestamped filename.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
It specifies the directory where the backup file will be saved.
Why this is correct
Correct. 'dir_path' sets the directory for the backup file.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
It specifies the filename for the backup.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 'backup_options' does not directly set a filename; it sets the directory. The filename is auto-generated.
✗
It enables compression of the backup file.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. There is no compression option in backup_options.
✗
It is ignored because backup: yes is already set.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. backup_options is used to customize the backup behavior.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Ansible Automation — This question tests Ansible Automation — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It specifies the directory where the backup file will be saved. — The 'backup_options' parameter in ios_config allows specifying a custom directory path for the backup file. Without it, the backup is saved in the playbook's directory with a timestamped filename.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 350-401 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-401 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.